Reviews:
 ·Google Voice
·Junction Networks
·Callcentric
 ·T-Mobile US
 ·AT&T U-Verse
| reply to nitzan
Re: [General] Google voice going paid? said by nitzan:said by Arne Bolen:and it's likely Google Voice will continue the current free service at least a few more years. I sure hope not. Google Voice is bad for VOIP because it is not economical- it essentially takes away customers from economical providers making it harder for them to survive long-term. It distorts the market - maybe even enough to kill a few providers - only for Google to arbitrarily shut it down or start charging later. As a user I guess it seems like a good thing, but when you look at the big picture it's just hurting the industry. How lame, nitzan  ! Google Voice is about the only provider ever discussed on this forum that provides:
1. SMS.
2. Mnemonic phone numbers, without any "select a state/city" bullshit.
Plus it truly runs in the cloud, and is generally quite reliable. (For the record, I don't think it's fair to blame any VoIP provider when XO et al are at fault.)
How exactly do you guys expect to compete with Google Voice if you don't offer any services that many people use Google Voice for?
Since someone from CC pointed out in another thread (now closed) that I'm getting services from CallCentric that noone else provides, perhaps as such it's fine to reveal that, for example, I did manage to get a custom, mnemonic, phone number from CallCentric; indeed, no other provider in North America offers free mnemonic phone numbers through SIP. However, that only happened after I made a manual request with the tech support, and each time they did this (I tried it twice, IIRC; the prior time was with a Dirt-Cheap-DID that in the end I decided not to purchase), they did point it out both times that they normally can't (or don't) provide such service. I emailed Anveo once about getting a custom number, and they explicitly said that they don't offer any mnemonic or custom numbers.
If you seriously think that Google Voice is hurting your business, get off your arse and offer something that's at least half as good. Pinger and lots of other startups do similar services as Google Voice as well (they usually still don't offer mnemonic phone numbers, though). I'm an avid Google Voice user, but it doesn't stop me from spending money on CallCentric and now also on CallWithUs. If it won't be Google Voice that's "hurting your business", it'll be Pinger, CallCentric, CallWithUs, Anveo, VoIP.ms or someone else. Sorry, I just couldn't resist! |
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nitzanPremium,VIP
join:2008-02-27
kudos:2 | Last I checked, GV doesn't actually offer VOIP service - so by default ALL providers offer better service than them. The only reason they are successful (defined by number of users) is that the service is free - if and when they start charging for service the grand majority of users will move on to real VOIP providers. |
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Reviews:
·Google Voice
·Junction Networks
·Callcentric
·T-Mobile US
·AT&T U-Verse
| said by nitzan:Last I checked, GV doesn't actually offer VOIP service - so by default ALL providers offer better service than them. The only reason they are successful (defined by number of users) is that the service is free - if and when they start charging for service the grand majority of users will move on to real VOIP providers.
Did you not read what I said?
DO YOU OFFER SMS?
Why would I move to you if you don't offer SMS? Which is exactly what I use Google Voice for. End of story. You guys live in your magic NA VoIP world where noone needs SMS. |
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 bbbc
join:2001-10-02
NorthAmerica
kudos:2 | reply to ConstantineM
said by ConstantineM :Mnemonic phone numbers, without any "select a state/city" bullshit. Humm, most of my DIDs are vanity / phonewords. These numbers are never easy to get and I pay for it. I've jumped through hoops getting these numbers from one provider (who holds the prefix in the area I want) and then porting them to a VoIP provider that is a million times cheaper. Porting always seem to be a hassle too, but long story short, I get the numbers after a ton of work on my part.
It is what it is. Give the VoIP guys a break. How many guys (and gals) our age give a sh*t about texting from a computer?
--
Consumerist.com | Consumers Union |
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rblizz
join:2001-12-16
North Richland Hills, TX Reviews:
·Callcentric
 ·Charter
| reply to ConstantineM
said by ConstantineM:How lame, nitzan ! Google Voice is about the only provider ever discussed on this forum that provides:
1. SMS. Well, there you go. For the one of us that cares, GV offers SMS. My problem with Google Voice is I never know what they're going to be doing next year -- or next week. They've committed to nothing. So why would you plan anything around them?
The best that can be said about GV is that (for now) you can get an OBi and make free outgoing calls. If you want a number that you know is going to be there next year, go with someone else.
I like picking a vendor and settling in with them. I don't want to worry about when (because it's a matter of "when" not "if") Google decides to either charge (how much, no one knows) or just give up on the experiment.
But I'm not looking for SMS in a VoIP provider, so what do I know? |
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rblizz
join:2001-12-16
North Richland Hills, TX Reviews:
·Callcentric
·Charter
| reply to bbbc
said by bbbc:It is what it is. Give the VoIP guys a break. How many guys (and gals) our age give a sh*t about texting from a computer? Really? I thought SMS was THE most important feature you could get in VoIP service.  |
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PX EliezerPremium
join:2008-08-09
Hutt River
kudos:13 Reviews:
·callwithus
·voip.ms
·Optimum Voice
·Vitelity VOIP
·Gizmo5
| reply to ConstantineM
said by ConstantineM:How lame, nitzan ! Google Voice is about the only provider ever discussed on this forum that provides:
1. SMS.
2. Mnemonic phone numbers, without any "select a state/city" bullshit.
How exactly do you guys expect to compete with Google Voice if you don't offer any services that many people use Google Voice for?
Mmm, I think that the large majority of GV users are using it because it's free.
As far as SMS over IP (SMOIP), a few VoIP providers offer it (Anveo and Vitelity come to mind) but I don't know that there has been a big consumer demand for it.
Mnemonic phone numbers are cute, but again there is not a big consumer demand for them except in the case of TF numbers. And even TF mnemonic numbers are less important than they used to be except for the handful like 1-800-Flowers.
GV is [not] a threat because of SMS (would be different if they had S&M) or because of Mnemonics (another niche, most people don't need a phone number that spells out their name).
The main attribute of Bluto is [large].
The main attribute of Paris is [Eiffel Tower].
The main attribute of Dolly Parton is....well, I don't want to milk this any more.
But surely the main attribute of GoogleVoice is [free].
And they are smart enough to know that. |
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bbbc
join:2001-10-02
NorthAmerica
kudos:2 | said by PX Eliezer :Mnemonic phone numbers are cute, but again there is not a big consumer demand for them except in the case of TF numbers. And even TF mnemonic numbers are less important than they used to be except for the handful like 1-800-Flowers. If you have a business, whether large or small, I think they help with marketing. I got a toll-free with ending zeros, 0000. You get the magic all eights and you get the Asian crowd who believes in luck. I helped a roofer get XXX-ROOF. Again, getting all these numbers are a pain in the ass, but I think it's worth it in the long run.
--
Consumerist.com | Consumers Union |
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PX EliezerPremium
join:2008-08-09
Hutt River
kudos:13 Reviews:
·callwithus
·voip.ms
·Optimum Voice
·Vitelity VOIP
·Gizmo5
| said by bbbc:I helped a roofer get XXX-ROOF.
Right, but Connie's point is that the [area code] does not matter, that we are in a continental pool where locality is irrelevant.
I disagree with him.
If you are in Nashville, you might hesitate to call the number GET-NEW-ROOF because that would be in Montreal. (Note to mods: This [438-639-7663] is a non-working number, no 639 exchange in that AC yet).
People [do] still notice area codes. Locality does matter, aside from the TF codes. |
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bbbc
join:2001-10-02
NorthAmerica
kudos:2 | said by PX Eliezer :Right, but Connie's point is that the [area code] does not matter, that we are in a continental pool where locality is irrelevant.
I disagree with him.
If you are in Nashville, you might hesitate to call the number GET-NEW-ROOF because that would be in Montreal. (Note to mods: This [438-639-7663] is a non-working number, no 639 exchange in that AC yet).
People [do] still notice area codes. Locality does matter, aside from the TF codes.
Sorry, you are spot on. The area code totally matters with vanity numbers, people want to know that you're local.
As far as the Obihai ATAs, they are simply the best stand-alone device right now. Free GV is an added bonus that probably won't last.
--
Consumerist.com | Consumers Union |
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Reviews:
·Google Voice
·Junction Networks
·Callcentric
·T-Mobile US
·AT&T U-Verse
| reply to rblizz
said by rblizz:The best that can be said about GV is that (for now) you can get an OBi and make free outgoing calls. If you want a number that you know is going to be there next year, go with someone else.
I like picking a vendor and settling in with them. I don't want to worry about when (because it's a matter of "when" not "if") Google decides to either charge (how much, no one knows) or just give up on the experiment.
What a bunch of FUD-spreading.
Do any PAYG VoIP providers that are ALREADY cheap offer any kind of price guarantees for the future?
Then why do you expect Google to be any different?
You guys are so biased against Google Voice, it's just ridiculous! |
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bbbc
join:2001-10-02
NorthAmerica
kudos:2 | said by ConstantineM :You guys are so biased against Google Voice, it's just ridiculous! You're making me snicker. I use Google Voice a ton for North American long distance. I revert to VoIP.ms when I'm calling overseas. I remember the day when calling Europe cost a ton. Hell, I pay under 2¢ a minute, billed in seconds, to call England.
Texting through a VoIP provider is really a niche service. Out of curiosity, do you have a honey in some country that you can't text them without it costing a fortune through your mobile provider?
--
Consumerist.com | Consumers Union |
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cell14
join:2012-01-04
Miami Beach, FL Reviews:
·localphone.com
| reply to nitzan
said by nitzan: if and when they start charging for service the grand majority of users will move on to real VOIP providers.
I would not be so sure.
With a real CS and some improvements they could start charging and even with the current set up a 0.25c/min charge would be tolerable for many people. |
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OZOPremium
join:2003-01-17
kudos:2 | I don't think so, but of course only future may tell...
--
Keep it simple, it'll become complex by itself... |
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PX EliezerPremium
join:2008-08-09
Hutt River
kudos:13 | We'll see soon, keep checking....
»twitter.com/googlevoice |
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rblizz
join:2001-12-16
North Richland Hills, TX Reviews:
·Callcentric
·Charter
| reply to ConstantineM
said by ConstantineM:What a bunch of FUD-spreading.
Do any PAYG VoIP providers that are ALREADY cheap offer any kind of price guarantees for the future?
Then why do you expect Google to be any different?
You guys are so biased against Google Voice, it's just ridiculous!
What FUD have I spread? Google has been purposely coy about their long-term plans for GV -- this is not something I've done, it's something they've done.
Do you think I'm anti-Google? I'm currently using Google Chrome, I own an Android -- I got my wife and brothers and a nephew to buy Android phones and two nephews to buy Android tablets. I almost exclusively use Google Search.
Fact is, as of now (in the 2nd week of December) no one knows for sure if Google Voice will free in 2013 or not -- and it its like this every year. That's my problem with GV. |
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| reply to PX Eliezer
I use Google Voice because it's free... of any taxes, fees, etc., and because I'm not forced to have 911/E911/whatever. I'd be happy to pay a small fee each month to anyone as long as none of it went back to the govt. (pure rip-off there) and I weren't required to have 911. |
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cell14
join:2012-01-04
Miami Beach, FL Reviews:
·localphone.com
| reply to PX Eliezer
said by PX Eliezer
People do still notice area codes. Locality does matter, aside from the TF codes.
[/BQUOTE :Locality does matter big time, not only with vanity numbers. BTW What I like on my GV numbers that I was able( things are different now though) pick not only the area codes but also the exchanges plus easy to remember numbers.I wish I could say the same about my SIp providers. |
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PX EliezerPremium
join:2008-08-09
Hutt River
kudos:13 Reviews:
·callwithus
·voip.ms
·Optimum Voice
·Vitelity VOIP
·Gizmo5
| reply to ConstantineM
said by ConstantineM:You guys are so biased against Google Voice, it's just ridiculous!
You said "By giving unwarranted advise against APNS with their telco hat on, OnSIP ruins SIP for everyone."
You likewise said:
why OnSIP thinks that the whole NAT44 and 3GPP industry, together with Apple, should change just for the sake of letting stubborn companies like OnSIP to not have to invest a cent into actually doing some innovation in the mobile space, and for the sake of letting OnSIP to basically just run the solutions created by others decades ago.
You also said:
And, yes, other than Google Voice, there is no other single PAYG VoIP provider in North America that I'm completely happy with on all fronts — they all offer varying degrees of features, reliability, stability....
said by ConstantineM:You guys are so biased against Google Voice, it's just ridiculous!
The reverse could be said of you. |
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Reviews:
·Google Voice
·Junction Networks
·Callcentric
·T-Mobile US
·AT&T U-Verse
| reply to PX Eliezer
and ratecenters are still irrelevant to real people said by PX Eliezer:said by bbbc:I helped a roofer get XXX-ROOF.
Right, but Connie's point is that the [area code] does not matter, that we are in a continental pool where locality is irrelevant. I disagree with him. If you are in Nashville, you might hesitate to call the number GET-NEW-ROOF because that would be in Montreal. (Note to mods: This [438-639-7663] is a non-working number, no 639 exchange in that AC yet). People [do] still notice area codes. Locality does matter, aside from the TF codes. Who's Connie? But, indeed, he/she does seem to represent my point of view. :-)
When I say that locality is irrelevant, I'm also saying this from the point of view of a major metropolitan area, like San Jose. Why should I care if I have a 408 or a 650? Given a choice of a name or a hobby, vs. a CO that services a random ill-defined area you have no clue of the boundaries of, would you really go for the CO option? In addition, why would I care if my 408 is in Sunnyvale, Campbell, Saratoga or San Jose, or any other CO; in addition, why should I care if it's in SNJS WEST, SNJS NORTH or SNJS SOUTH? What's even the difference between these, and how exactly are they defined, if at all they are defined for the general public? Does AT&T / PACIFIC BELL really charges different rates depending on where in the single city of San Jose you live?
When you go to buy a mobile phone in the mall, and tell them you want a 408 in San Jose, they won't even ask you if you want WEST, NORTH or SOUTH. Somehow I recall a T-Mo screen in some shop where I was almost assigned a number from San Jose East (eew! :-). Since there was no other choice than a stupid and meaningless location, I said that East wasn't cool at all (gave them a "man, that's not cool!" look), and made them select San Jose West for me. :-) Yet somehow there's no East when I look at the official allocation list of the 408 NPA, e.g. T-Mo must be making up their own ratecenter names. »www.nanpa.com/nas/public/assigne···paId=408
In Canada, Fido lets you choose the last 4 digits of a number; I still have that number, with CallCentric now. CallCentric would not have had my business if not for Fido; I would not have kept the number if it wasn't so cool.
You say you disagree with a position, yet then you yourself claim that people notice the NPA. NPA != Rate Center (such scams with NXX being a ratecenter happen only in NA, BTW).
Yes; NPA is the only thing they notice; but these stupid providers like Anveo make you go through the hassle of having to choose states and ratecenters instead (Anveo doesn't even let you choose NPA-NXX like CC somewhat does, and they don't even let you choose a city (they have no "San Jose" in their list of cities); yet they claim there's a "city" called "SAN JOSE: SOUTH DA", WTF? No such thing!).
And not everyone runs a local business where having a number listed under the same city as the one where you operate in is important. If you are actually running a local business like that, which requires a really local number, and not just NPA, then I can't believe the local phone companies are all so bad and expensive that you must resort to VoIP for your one-phone-line operation. Isn't the local book listing worth the extra 20$/month you pay to an RBOC?
Again, NPAs matter somewhat. Rate centers — try explaining their concept to a foreigner without feeling utterly stupid and irrelevant. |
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